1. Theme

2. What is the THEME of the story?
THEME is:
The {message} of the story.
What the author wants the reader to learn from the story
The author won’t explicitly (clearly) state it. The reader often has to INFER the theme.
There can be more than one.
The theme is UNIVERSAL. It applies to EVERYONE

3. Topic VS. Theme
Topics tell what a story is mostly about in a word or two.
Theme is the big idea/what the author wants you to take away
Topic
Theme
Courage
It takes courage to do the right thing.
Justice
Actions have consequences
Honesty
Always tell the truth
Love
It’s better to love than hate
*** One word topics ARE NOT themes. BUT! You can use these topics to FIND the theme

4. Main Idea VS. Theme
Main idea is what the story is mostly about or a quick summary about what happened. Specific to the story
Theme is the big idea in the story and what the reader wants you to take away. Not specific to the story
Main Idea
Answers the question “What is the story about
Theme
Answers the question “What does the story teach me about life
Brian was upset that he wasn’t invited to the party
You should always try to include others
Brian was happy that he didn’t have to sit alone at lunch
No one likes being alone. Making friends can make you happy
Brian was sad when on one noticed him
Being alone can make you sad.

5. More Questions to ask to determine Theme
How did the character respond to the conflict or challenge?
Did the character make a good choice or a bad choice?
What happened to the character as a result?
What can you learn from that character’s decision?
Did the character learn anything from their decision(s)? How can you apply that to your own life?
Would you do the same thing as the character? Why or why not?
What do you think the author is trying to teach you from the events of the story?